Engineers at MIT have transformed spinach into sensors capable of detecting explosive materials. When spinach roots deter the presence of nitroaromatics in ground water, a compound found in explosives like landmines, engineered carbon nanotubes within the plant leaves emit a signal that is then read by an infrared camera, sending an email alert to the scientists.
This experiment is part of a technology known as ‘plant nanobionics’ which involves engineering electronic components and systems into plants, giving them new abilities.
“Plants are very good analytical chemists,” explains Prof. Michael Strano who led the research. “They have an extensive root network in the soil, are constantly sampling groundwater, and have a way to self-power the transport of that water up into the leaves. This is a novel demonstration of how we have overcome the plant/human communication barrier.”
Scientists believe this technology could help warn researchers about pollution and other environmental conditions. “Plants are very environmentally responsive. They know that there is going to be a drought long before we do. They can detect small changes in the properties of soil and water potential. If we tap into those chemical signaling pathways, there is a wealth of information to access,” says Strano.
Picture Credit : Google
